Doubles delight for McLoughlin & McMorrow

All-Ireland handball champions - John McLoughlin & Michael McMorrow Congratulations!


Doubles delight for McLoughlin & McMorrow



Sligo handball supporters finally had something to celebrate with the Sligo doubles pairing of John McLoughlin & Michael McMorrow dramatic win over Kilkenny’s Jim Dooley & Gerry Murphy in the Emerald Masters B doubles final played in Crinkle on Friday evening last.

The Kilkenny men went in as favourites but the Yeats County men matched them all the way before killing off Kilkenny’s fight back with a stunning finish, writes Michael McGee

It was the Connacht Champions that got of to a flying start with an opening 7 point salvo. Kilkenny’s Dooley & Murphy hit back almost immediately to reduce Sligo’s lead to 7-3. McMorrow and in particular the influential John McLoughlin hit the front and with some expert finishing and held a 15-7 advantage. Kilkenny came more into the game but McLoughlin & McMorrow held firm eventually wrapping up game 1 comfortably by 21-12.

Kilkenny settled quickly in the 2nd and piled on the pressure on McMorrow & McLoughlin when leading by 12-7. The Sligo men recovered well and fought back to be on level terms at 17. However they could not add to their tally despite opportunity’s coming their way. It was Kilkenny that finished strongly bringing the final to a deciding 3rd game.

In the final game the powerfully built McMorrow began to bombard the Kilkenny men with some thundering kills and working well inside. John McLoughlin’s great defensive play and long overhand returns put Sligo into the driving seat when leading by 8-0. Kilkenny threatened with 4 points to keep them in the contest. McLoughlin’s pinpoint serving to Dooley’s right side opened up Kilkenny’s frailties and into a commanding 18-13 lead. Kilkenny’s last throw of the dice came with 2 serves. Two long rallies was played out with Kilkenny’s brave last stand came to nought with McLoughlin 2 deadly kills in response coolness personified from the Collooney club man . McMorrow delivered the killer blows with 3 precision aces to Murphy’s left side that the Kilkenny man didn’t return.


It was the first ever handball titles for the Sligo stalwarts and richly deserved after many years of heartbreak their persistence finally rewarded with All-Ireland medals
Martin Donnelly All-Ireland 60 x 30 championships played in Crinkle Friday evening

Emerald Masters B doubles final: John McLoughlin & Michael McMorrow (Sligo) dft Jim Dooley & Gerry Murphy (Kilkenny) 21-12, 17-21, 21-13

Sligo handballers go in search of 2 All-Ireland titles

Francis McCann

John McLoughlin & Michael McMorrow All-Ireland finalists 2011



Sligo handballers go in search of two All-Ireland handball titles

Sligo handball supporters will be hoping for a double success this weekend with Michael McMorrow & John McLoughlin representing the Yeats County in the All-Ireland Emerald Masters B doubles final while Francis McCann aims for his 17th All-Ireland medal in the Golden Masters A singles decider, writes Michael McGee

In the Connacht final the McLoughlin & McMorrow had a facile 21-6, 21-3 victory over Mayo’s Jimmy Sheridan & Pat Hayes. Collooney was the setting for the semi-final and McMorrow & McLoughlin did not disappoint their loyal supporters with another impressive display winning by 21-12, 21-13 over Tipperary’s Eamon Spillane & Gerry Foley. Friday evening’s final see’s the duo make the long journey to Ballina in Co. Tipperary as they face Kilkenny’s Gerry Murphy & Jim Dooley. McMorrow inspired Sligo in their semi-final win with his strong play while McLoughlin after a sluggish start rowed in with some important winners at crucial times in the contest.
McMorrow and McLoughlin compliment each other very well. McMorrow is seen as the workhorse in the team while McLoughlin when he hits his stride can be a match winner for anyone. The Sligo men will need to raise their game another notch or two from their semi-final win over Tipperary. Kilkenny will go in as favourites but McMorrow & McLoughlin have trained well for this final. It would be fitting for the duo after many years of heartbreak that they finally succeed and win a long overdue All-Ireland handball title.
McCann to bring Brady to book in All-Ireland final

On Sunday Sligo’s Francis McCann contests the All-Ireland Golden Masters A Singles final. This final was due to take place 2 weeks ago but was postponed as Cavan’s Mickeleen Brady was refereeing a County final. McCann had an excellent 21-9, 21-4 win over Mayo’s Frank Mackin in the Connacht final. In the All-Ireland semi-final the Ballymote man made the long trip to Ballyporeen to take on Tipperary’s Pat Ryan. In a magnificent fight back McCann calling on his vast experience and battling qualities came back from the brink of defeat. A game down and 18-19 in the tie breaker McCann somehow conjured up a famous win in the closing stages to win a marathon battle by 10-21, 21-12, 21-18.
McCann’s first All-Ireland title was back in 1977 when winning the Minor All-Ireland doubles title with club mate Michael Porter. For 19 years he played in the senior championships. Six years ago was his last triumph when winning the Silver Masters A singles title against Tipperary’s Pat Ryan the same player he defeated a month ago to reach this year’s final. McCann will face stern opposition from Brady. Brady defeated Leinster champion and a fancied Jimmy Reilly from Meath by 21-18, 21-14 in his semi-final match. McCann’s greater experience and his undoubted skills should be enough to see him returning to Sligo with another All-Ireland medal to celebrate.

Martin Donnelly All-Ireland 60 x 30 championships:
Friday 23rd September 2011, in Ballina, Tipperary at 7.30 p.m.
Emerald Masters B Doubles Final: Michael McMorrow & John McLoughlin (Sligo) v Kilkenny (Gerry Murphy & Jim Dooley (Kilkenny)

Sunday 25th September 2011 in St. Coman’s Roscommon at 2.30 p.m.
Golden Masters A singles final: Francis McCann (Sligo) v Mickeleen Brady (Cavan)

McCann can win All-Ireland handball title for Sligo

Francis McCann


McCann can win All-Ireland handball title
Sligo’s handball players have been starved of national success this year but this should soon come to an end with Francis McCann’s participation in Sunday’s All-Ireland final, writes Michael McGee
On Sunday Sligo’s Francis McCann contests the All-Ireland Golden Masters A Singles final. A runner up in the National One Wall finals in Castlebar in July McCann has continued his fine run into this year’s All-Ireland 60 x 30 Championships. McCann had an excellent 21-9, 21-4 win over Mayo’s Frank Mackin in the Connacht final. In the All-Ireland semi-final McCann made the long trip to Ballyporeen to take on Tipperary’s Pat Ryan. In a magnificent fight back McCann calling on his vast experience and battling qualities battling back from a game down and 18-19 in the tie breaker, and somehow conjured up a famous win in the closing stages to win a marathon battle by 10-21, 21-12, 21-18.
McCann first All-Ireland title was back in 1977 when winning the Minor All-Ireland doubles title with club mate Michael Porter. For 19 years he played in the senior championships. Six years ago was his last triumph when winning the Silver Masters A singles title against Tipperary’s Pat Ryan the same player he defeated 2 weeks ago to reach this year’s final.
A great reader of the game and an natural athlete in the court McCann’s willingness to work hard to grind out results is one of his greatest attributes. However the Ballymote man can’t be complacent as his opponent Mickeleen Brady from Cavan defeated Leinster champion and a fancied Jimmy Reilly from Meath by 21-18, 21-14 in his semi-final match.
McCann is aiming for his 17th All-Ireland handball title in an illustrious handball career. His undoubted skills and work rate should see him returning to Sligo with another historic All-Ireland title to celebrate.
All-Ireland 60 x 30 championships finals:
Sunday 11th September 2011, in St. Coman's, Roscommon, 1pm:
Golden Masters A Singles Final: Sligo (Frances McCann) v Cavan (Mickeleen Brady)

McMorrow stars for Sligo handballers in semi-finals

Sligo's John McLoughlin & Michael McMorrow picturs with Eamon Spillane & Gerry Foley Tipperary

Francis McCann & Hugh McGarry pictured with Pat Griffin & Tony O'Flaherty Tipperary


McMorrow stars for Sligo in handball doubles win

Michael McMorrow was the star for the Sligo handballers on Sunday when he and doubles partner John McLoughlin reached this year’s Emerald Masters B doubles All-Ireland final with an impressive 21-12, 21-13 victory over Tipperary’s Eamon Spillane & Gerry Foley played in Collooney writes Michael McGee.
Tipperary held an early 7-3 advantage. McMorrow & McLoughlin found their range and levelled soon after. The Sligo men went out in front by 14-7 with McMorrow particularly effective on the left. The Tipperary men pushed hard and were within reach when only 11-15 behind. McMorrow came into his own with a number of important winning scores helping Sligo to an opening 21-12 win in game 1. Into the second McMorrow & McLoughlin raced into a 9-0 lead. Again Tipperary came more into the contest with an 8 point reply of their own.. John McLoughlin was making his presence felt with some great defensive play and rowed in with a number of important kills into both corners. The Sligo men had Tipperary on the ropes and eventually delivered the knockout blow winning by 21-13. McMorrow & McLoughlin will now face Kilkenny’s Gerry Murphy & Jim Dooley in the final.
McCann & McGarry’s brave bid falls short
Unfortunately there wasn’t a doubles success for the second Sligo doubles pair of Francis McCann & Hugh McGarry. The duo came up against a very strong pairing of Tony O’ Flaherty & Pat Griffin of Tipperary in the Golden Masters A doubles semi-final. The contest was played in a high tempo all throughout. Their cause wasn’t helped when they fell 10-0 behind in the opening skirmishes. The tall and athletic looking Tony O’ Flaherty with his great left handed high lobbing serves to Hugh McGarry’s right corner was posing problems for the Sligo men. McGarry & McCann battled back well to be 14-8 behind. Tipperary’s Pat Griffin on the right was very assured throughout. It was a fantastic marathon battle throughout with excellent passages of play long rallies, top drawer kills and wonderful athleticism especially from Francis McCann who gave a master class display throughout. Tipperary held an 17-11 advantage but the Sligo men gritted their teeth working hard to draw level at 17 and taking the lead. Tipperary hit back at 18. Tipperary finished the stronger taking game 1 by 21-18. Into the second game scores were level at 4 & 5. All 4 players displaying high energy levels with Sligo’s Francis McCann delivering a lung bursting performance as he covered every inch of the Sligo court. It was an outstanding display from the Ballymote man. The Tipperary men always had that little bit extra however, even though McGarry & McCann gave every ounce of effort for the cause. The nearest the Sligo men could get to Tipperary was when they were 8-11 behind. Sligo would register 3 further scores as Tipperary finished strongly winning an exciting 2nd game and match by 21-13.
Emerald Masters B Doubles: Sligo (Michael McMorrow/John McLoughlin) bt Tipperary (Eamon Spillane/Gerry Foley) 21-12, 21-13

Golden Masters A Doubles: Sligo (Francis McCann/Hugh McGarry) lost to Tipperary(Tony O'Flaherty/Pat Griffin) 18-21, 13-21
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All-Ireland Juvenile Championships 60 x 30 semi-finals
Saturday August 27th in Hospital Co. Limerick at 12 noon.

Girls 15 Singles: Marianna Foody (Sligo) lost to Anna Prendeville (Kerry) 7-15, 11-15

Boys 15 Doubles: Stanley Harte & Jason Earlis (Sligo) lost to Jamie Joyce & Ciaran O’Neill (Waterford) 15-6, 5-15, 14-15

McCann’s magic fightback secures final place

Francis McCann & Hugh McGarry Sligo's Golden Masters A doubles


McCann’s magic fightback secures final place

Francis McCann certainly rolled back the years last weekend in Ballyporeen when claiming a famous victory against all the odds, writes Michael McGee.
McCann had to call on all his vast experience and battling skills to defeat Tipperary’s Pat Ryan in the Golden Masters A Singles final in a 3 game thriller in order to qualify for the final.
McCann started slowly in his match and quickly fell behind losing the opening game by 10-21. The Ballymote man was much more composed in the second and got to grips with the Tipperary man playing some great handball. McCann took game 2 by 21-12. He continued the momentum into the tiebreaker going 18-12 ahead. Ryan with the huge Tipperary support behind him put in a storming finish and levelled at 18-18 and amazingly took the lead by 19-18 and looked to have stolen the game from McCann’s grasp. McCann with great self belief and conviction somehow turned the tables on the Tipperary man once again and in an exciting finish the Sligo man dug deepest with great heart and determination. In a nail biting finish McCann got the 3 golden winners to secure an amazing victory by 21-19 after 3 energy sapping games. McCann will face Meath’s Jimmy Reilly in the All-Ireland singles final. Sligo’s other representative in the singles semi-final Paddy Walsh was beaten by Clare’s John Kirby by 5-21, 12-21
Results: All-Ireland 60 x 30 Championships semi-finals
Golden Masters A singles: Francis McCann (Sligo) bt Pat Ryan (Tipperary) 10-21, 21-12, 21-19.
Ruby Masters A singles: Paddy Walsh (Sligo) lost to John Kirby ( Clare) 5-21, 12-21
Sligo’s doubles pairs to topple Tipperary
There is more handball action this weekend closer to home and Sligo are involved in 2 more All-Ireland handball championships this time in the doubles. Francis McCann fresh from his outstanding singles win in Tipperary last weekend teams up with Collooney’s Hugh McGarry as they go in search for a place in the final. McCann & McGarry have been playing together for the past number of years without success. Francis McCann & Hugh McGarry bt Mayo’s Padraig Geraghty & Jimmy Staunton 21-5, 21-15 in the Connacht final. McGarry the Collooney handball Chairman an All-Ireland medal winner with Connell Cannon back in 1996 will be hoping to go all the way in 2011. Both McGarry & McCann have trained well with recent weeks with tough practise matches against the likes of Dave Mulhern & Shane Bruen. McGarry was the match winner in the Connacht final and if he can produce that same form again the duo have an excellent chance of reaching the final.
In the other semi-final Michael McMorrow & John McLoughlin face Eamon Spillane & Gerry Foley also Tipperary. The Sligo men had a facile 21-6, 21-3 win over Pat Hayes & Jimmy Sheridan in the Provincial final but the Tipperary men will no doubt put up a stronger test. McMorrow & McLoughlin will need to play their best handball of the year if they are send the Tipperary men packing out of the championships.

All-Ireland 60 x 30 championships semi-finals Sunday August 28th, in Collooney, Sligo, at 2pm
Emerald Masters B Doubles: Sligo (Michael McMorrow/John McLoughlin) v Tipperary (Eamon Spillane/Gerry Foley)

Golden Masters A Doubles: Sligo (Francis McCann/Hugh McGarry) v Tipperary(Tony O'Flaherty/Pat Griffin)

Connacht Juvenile A 60 x 30 championships finals
Earlis & Harte Connacht Champions
Boys U-15 doubles final: Stanley Harte & Jason Earlis (Sligo) bt Alan Kelly & Nathan Massey (Mayo) 11-15, 15-8, 11-2
Girls U-14 Singles Final Aoife Quinn (Sligo) lost to Fiona Tully (Roscommon) 0-15, 2-15
The County’s handball Juvenile stars are also grabbing the headlines with Stanley Harte (Collooney) and Jason Earlis (Castleconnor) teaming up to secure the Connacht Juvenile A championships U-15 doubles title in Killala last Saturday. The Sligo teenagers did it the hard way with Mayo taking the opening game. Earlis & Harte hit back strongly taking the next 2 by 15-8, 11-2. It was an impressive overall team display. The duo have little time to celebrate as they travel to the Hospital Club in Limerick on Saturday to play the All-Ireland Juvenile semi-finals against Waterford’s Jamie Joyce & Ciaran O’Neill. Castleconnor’s Marianna Foody has a difficult assignment as she faces Kerry’s Anna Prendeville in the Girls 15 singles.
All-Ireland Juvenile Championships 60 x 30 semi-finals
Saturday August 27th in Hospital Co. Limerick at 12 noon.

Girls 15 Singles: Marianna Foody (Sligo) v Anna Prendeville

Boys 15 Doubles: Stanley Harte & Jason Earlis (Sligo) v Jamie Joyce & Ciaran O’Neill (Waterford)

McCann & Walsh aiming for final appearances

Paddy Walsh takes on John Kirby for a place in this year Ruby Masters singles final

Francis McCann travels to Ballyporeen on Saturday for a place in the Golden Masters A singles final



McCann & Walsh aiming for final appearances
The first weekend of All-Ireland 60 x 30 championships begins this weekend with 2 of Sligo’s greatest handball players Paddy Walsh & Francis McCann make the long journey to Tipperary. Walsh & McCann have tough tasks ahead of them but are well capable of returning home with a place in the coveted finals, writes Michael McGee

Walsh’s “Clare” ambition to reach final

St. Mary’s Club man Paddy Walsh makes the long journey to Ballina Co. Tipperary to take on Clare’s John Kirby for a place in this year’s Ruby Masters singles final. Chasing his 29th All-Ireland handball title in 30 years the legendary Sligo player has an uphill battle ahead of him when he takes on the Clare man, brother of the legendary Kirby brothers Pat & Dan of Tuamgraney & Clare handball fame. Kirby who has won every honour in the game is back playing superb handball. Both players are very experienced at this level. Walsh beat Mayo’s John Kenny in the Connacht final by 21-17, 21-12 and is also playing exceptional handball of late. It should be a terrific contest between the 2 handball legends. An exciting and close match is in prospect with a determined Walsh to do just enough to reach the final
McCann to topple Ryan in Tipperary
Ballymote’s Francis McCann also travels to Tipperary this time in the Golden Masters A singles semi-final where he will face Tipperary’s Pat Ryan. McCann a holder of 15 All-Ireland handball titles has been showing good form of late. It is not the 1st time that McCann has played Ryan. Six years ago in the Silver Masters Singles All-Ireland final McCann defeated Ryan in straight games. McCann is showing good form and has prepared well. McCann’s greater experience should tip the contest in his favour.


Fixtures: All-Ireland championships 60 x 30 semi-finals
Saturday August 20th Ballina Co. Tipperary Saturday at 2pm
Ruby Masters Singles: Paddy Walsh (Sligo) v John Kirby (Clare)


Saturday 20th August in Ballyporeen at 2 p.m.
Golden Masters A Singles : Francis McCann (Sligo) v Tipperary (Pat Ryan)


Results: Connacht Handball Championships 60x30 finals
Golden Masters B doubles: Peter Chambers & Stanley Harte (Sligo) lost to Willie Corcoran & Mike Shaughnessy (Roscommon) 8-21, 5-21
Peter Chambers & Stanley Harte involvement in this years handball championships came to an end in Castlebar following their 8-21, 5-21 defeat to Galway’s Willie Corcoran & Mike Shaughnessy. The Sligo men never captured the form that seen them reach last years All-Ireland doubles semi-final. Their cause wasn’t helped when Chambers sustained a leg injury early in the second game.
Sligo will now rely on Paddy Walsh, Francis McCann, Michael McMorrow & John McLoughlin to secure All-Ireland titles for the County.
The Sligo Handball Board monthly meeting takes place in the Teeling Centre Collooney on Wednesday 17th at 8.30 p.m Fundraising tickets in aid of Sligo Juvenile with a prize of 2 All-Ireland Football Final tickets will be handed out to club delegates at the meeting.

No Joy for Sligo handballers in Connacht singles finals

Michael McMorrow & James Coughlin Roscommon EMBS Connacht 60 x 20 final

Peter Chambers & Will Corcoran
(Photos Courtesy Seamus Duffy)



Connacht handball 60 x 30 championships 60 x 30 finals


There was no joy for Sligo handball players in the Connacht handball 60 x 30 championships finals over the weekend writes Michael McGee.

All 4 representatives went down. Peter Chambers was well in contention in his match with Willie Corcoran. The Galway man took the 1st game by 21-14. Chambers was in control in the second but an ankle injury picked up at a crucial time put pay to his comeback and the Galway man ran out a comfortable winner in the end. Mick McMorrow who had a sensational semi-final victory over Mayo’s Eugene Maloney was expected to do well but met an inform James Coughlan and went down in straight games. Martin Golden in the Silver Masters A singles suffered a similar fate against Roscommon’s Anthony O’Donnell. Shane Bruen looked well set to win his 1st Connacht title in 3 years against Billy Kelly from Roscommon. Bruen from the Collooney Club took the opening game by 21-15. In the second he was leading by 10-5 but a number of controversial refereering decisions upset his rhythm and allowed Kelly back into it. Kelly took the second game by 21-17 and the tie breaker by 21-8.

Results:
Golden Masters B Singles: Peter Chambers Sligo lost to Willie Corcoran Galway 14-21, 9-21
Emerald Masters B Singles: Michael McMorrow Sligo lost to James Coughlin Roscommon. 13-21, 11-21
Over 35 B Singles: Shane Bruen Sligo lost to Billy Kelly Roscommon 21-15, 17-21, 21-8
Silver Masters A Singles: Martin Golden Sligo lost to Anthony O’Donnell Roscommon 14-21, 12-21

Fixtures:
Tuesday 9th August in Castlebar at 8 p.m.
Golden Masters A doubles semi-final: Francis McCann & Hugh McGarry (Sligo) v Padraig Geraghty & Jimmy Staunton (Mayo)

Connacht handball 60 x 30 championships finals
Saturday August 13th in Williamstown at 5 p.m.
Golden Masters A Doubles: Francis McCann/Hugh McGarry (Sligo) v Dermot Doolin & Ger Walsh Roscommon
Sunday August 14th in Castlebar at 3 p.m
Golden Masters B doubles: Peter Chambers & Stanley Harte (Sligo) v Willie Corcoran & Mike Shaughnessy (Roscommon)
Sligo are involved in more provincial finals this weekend. The Golden Masters doubles team of Peter Chambers & Stanley Harte travel to Castlebar to take on Roscommon’s Willie Corcoran & Mike Shaughnessy. Chambers/Harte had a comprehensive 21-14, 21-8 victory over Mayo’s James McNulty & Tom Kenny in their semi-final clash. The Yeat’s County men reached the All-Ireland doubles semi-final a year ago and will be exptected again to reach the last four. Francis McCann & Hugh McGarry will also be hoping to make it a double success for Sligo’s pairs on Saturday evening when they take on Roscommon’s Dermot Doolin & Ger Walsh.Mick McMorrow & John McLoughlin are through to the All-Ireland Emerald Masters B doubles semi-final after receiving a bye in the Connacht final.

Connacht Handball Championships Juvenile
Quarter final: Tuesday 9th August in Collooney at 7 p.m.
Boys U-16 singles: Tommy Trill (Sligo) v Shane Doonan (Leitrim)
Boys U-17 singles: Adam McGoldrick (Sligo) v Michael Doonan (Leitrim)

The Connacht Juvenile semi-finals and finals will take place in Williamstown & Ballymoe next Saturday 13th August starting at 11 am

Sligo will be represented by the following in the Juvenile semi-finals at the weekend.

Boys U-14 Singles Ross Taheny

Girls U-14 Singles Aoife Quinn

Girls U-15 singles: Marianna Foody